Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that his estranged transgender daughter was “killed” after she received gender-affirming care, leading him to promise to “destroy the woke mind virus.”
During an interview with psychologist and conservative commentator Jordan Peterson aired on Monday, Musk criticized gender-reassignment surgery, referring to it as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He mentioned that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, who now identifies as transgender, underwent gender-affirming care during the pandemic, coming out as trans at the age of 16.
Musk recounted feeling misled into signing documents regarding his child, claiming this occurred before he fully understood the situation, compounded by the confusion surrounding COVID-19. He expressed concern that his child might have contemplated suicide, which he said contributed to the decision-making process.
He voiced strong opposition to the treatment of children who are below the age of consent, aligning with Peterson in describing such practices as “incredibly evil,” suggesting that advocates for these treatments should face imprisonment. Musk claimed he was not informed that puberty blockers were “essentially sterilization drugs,” although it is known that they do not directly affect fertility.
Musk expressed a deep sense of loss, saying, “I was tricked into doing this. I lost my son, essentially,” referencing the concept of “deadnaming,” which, he argued, signifies that his son no longer exists.
These statements followed Musk’s announcement that X and SpaceX will relocate to Texas, joining Tesla in response to California’s AB1955, the SAFETY Act, which prohibits schools from informing parents if their child identifies as transgender and mandates state support for LGBTQ+ youths. Musk has faced accusations of transphobia and anti-trans rhetoric in the past.
In 2022, Musk’s daughter sought a name change and new birth certificate, indicating in court that she desired no connection to her biological father. Musk has attributed their estrangement to the progressive school she attended, suggesting it influenced her stance and his subsequent “anti-woke” sentiments.
In the last few years, Musk’s political views have shifted from center-left to more aligned with right-wing ideologies, addressing a range of topics from diversity to election integrity. Recently, he endorsed the Republican presidential candidates, including former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, both known for their support of the oil industry and opposition to clean energy initiatives.